Spied: 2014 Infiniti EV

What It Is: A mule for Infiniti’s upcoming all-electric sedan. Until now, we had seen only sketches of Infiniti’s EV. Sitting closer to the bottom of Infiniti’s lineup, the EV will aim to please eco-chic shoppers who like the idea of an electric car to drive locally—as well as a premium badge.

Why it matters: Electric vehicles haven’t hit the big time yet, but like many automakers, Infiniti doesn’t want to risk being left behind. The task will be relatively easy considering parts from Nissan’s Leaf are already in the corporate bin. Just as important, adding an EV to the Infiniti lineup strengthens the brand’s intended image as a manufacturer of luxury and high-tech automobiles.

Platform: Infiniti’s sedan will share its front-wheel-drive underpinnings with the Nissan Leaf. Unlike that car, which is a traditional two-box hatchback, the Infiniti will be styled as a sleek fastback sedan.

Powertrain: Power may be increased from the 107-hp rating for the motor used in the Nissan Leaf, although the basic system probably will be the same. We anticipate that the Infiniti will use upgraded lithium-ion battery packs to better the Leaf’s advertised 100-mile range. (We averaged 58 miles per charge over a 2700-mile long-term test.)